Tutorials

In-the-Hoop Quilt Blocks

Take a modern approach to patchwork with
in-the-hoop quilt block machine embroidery designs! They look a lot
like traditional piecing, but these clever blocks come together
entirely on your embroidery machine. We'll show you step-by-step how
to use these unique designs!

Lightly spray the back of each template with
temporary spray adhesive and put it onto the right side of your fabric.
Carefully cut along the dieline to get an accurate applique shape.

Now to create the quilt block. Spray the
stabilizer with temporary spray adhesive and adhere it to the back
of the quilters cotton, then hoop both fabric and the stabilizer
taut together.

After the design file has been loaded onto the
embroidery machine, start stitching. The machine will stop after the
first step stitches out. This will be the dieline, for applique
placement.

Lightly spray the fabric piece with temporary
spray adhesive and carefully place it within the stitched dieline
area.

Repeat this step as the design continues to sew
out.

Trim loose threads, then place the fabric onto a
cutting mat. Use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter to cut along the
sewn cut lines of each block. (Feel free to use scissors to cut, if
a cutting mat or rotary cutter aren't available.) Repeat this step
as needed.

Stitch as many quilt blocks as you like, and mix and
match them to create your project! A quick sketch before you start can
give you confidence and direction as you start stitching. Each
in-the-hoop quilt block downloads with a PDF planning sheet to help you
design your own quilt using the design.

For this owl mini quilt, I am using the same design
for each quilt block, changing an element of the design to give each
block its own character. In this case, I am using a different fabric for
the owl's chest, wings and crown.

In-the-hoop quilt blocks can be
mixed-and-matched and combined with other piecing techniques to
create quilts, pillows, wall hangings, and more that are as unique
as you are. Check out our
Designing a Quilt for Machine Embroidery tutorial for more ideas
and inspiration!

Use these instructions to assemble the in-the-hoop
crazy quilt blocks as well. For these designs, the fabric pieces will
extend almost all the way to outer edges of the block. A cutting line
will sew last around the block – use this line to cut out the blocks.

Have fun arranging the in-the-hoop crazy quilt
blocks for unique effects and patterns. As you plan your quilt, mix
and match different fabrics, prints, and textured fabrics. We used a
combination of satin, velveteen, faux suede, and quilter’s cotton!
As you assemble the rows, simply rotate the blocks to give a
different look each time!